Page:The Dramas of Aeschylus (Swanwick).djvu/185

Rh Impart the tidings, and not poor in friends,

We will take counsel touching this mischance.

[Exeunt all except the Chorus.

Dear handmaidens! Sisters dear!

When, oh when, full voiced and clear,

Shall we, for Orestes' sake,

Loud the joyous Pæan wake?

Hallowed Earth! Oh shrine revered!

Funeral barrow high upreared,

O'er the naval hero-king,

Now give ear, deliv'rance bring!

Strikes the hour;—persuasive Guile

Enters now the lists. The while

Hermes leads to watch the fight

Of murd'rous swords and subtle wile,

Erinys, brood of Night.

This stranger, as it seems, is causing bale,

For I behold Orestes' nurse in tears;

Where wendest thou, Kilissa, past the gates?

Sorrow, I trow, unbidden goes with thee.

My mistress bade me summon with all speed

Ægisthos to the strangers, that he may

More clearly learn, as man from man, this tale